Archive for April, 2002

Fiji round up

Sunday, April 28th, 2002

(I posted this once already but who knows where it went…)

Fiji was beautiful and peaceful. I spent my days in the sun (fighting sunburn and tropical mosquitos) and slept under a big sky at a hostel on the beach. I met a bunch of interesting people from all over, many who have been on the road for several months already. I learned how to scuba dive, and I am now certified to dive in open water at depths of 60 feet without a divemaster.
I did not go to other islands — I stayed on the main island, Viti Levu, the whole time. The place where I was staying was in between the two biggest towns. It took about 2 hours in either direction to get to either of them (Nadi or Suva). The nearest village consisted of a group of houses and a mini-market. The nearest town was a 10 minute ride and had a few streets of stores and the only nightlife around, a little cafe that stayed open later than 9pm every night (except Sundays). The nightly entertainment at the hostel was a movie (which always started at 7 pm and ended at 9 pm, even if it wasn’t finished) and a ping pong table (or table tennis, as called by the British girls in my dorm).
Now I’m in Auckland, and I’m wondering what’s going to happen next. So far I’ve spent two days walking around town. Tomorrow I’m heading up to the bay of islands to explore and do some sea kayaking and swimming with dolphins. I’m excited for the next adventure, and would be totally happy if I could get my digital camera to work so that I could take a few more pictures.

Fijian time

Sunday, April 21st, 2002

I’ve been here for a couple of days, and it feels like for ever and never at the same time. It’s so beautiful and quiet here at my little beach bungalow hostel.

The beach where I stayed in Viti Levu, Fiji

Fijian market

I’ve met a bunch of travelers from all over the world — Australia, England, Ireland, Israel — going the same way or the opposite way as me. I’m getting a lot of good travel tips as a result.

Also went on a day cruise to an uninhabited island off the coast of the main island. There was amazing snorkeling out there — fish that were vivid blues and purples and yellows swimming in and out of tangerine and sandy coral reefs. It’s so cool. I can’t wait to start my diving certification course tomorrow.

The sun sinks over the horizon after another beautiful tropical day.

Last Day in NY

Wednesday, April 17th, 2002

I’m packing up my stuff. All of my clothes are in little piles on the floor of my room (what else is new, really?) and I have all of my papers in another little pile. Two extra copies — one for me and one to leave at home, just in case something is stolen.

Yesterday was my last day in the city, and it was one of the hottest days this year. Record breaking temperatures in April. I got an ice cream cone from the Mr. Softee truck and ate it while sitting on the steps of Union Square park. It seemed like the whole world was outside, flip flops and frappuccinos everywhere. It may not last here in NY, but summer has started for me.

The Countdown

Tuesday, April 16th, 2002

I’m taking off in about 48 hours. I have the sunscreen, insect repellent, meds and digital camera. I think I have all the clothes I need (though I probably should get a better pair of flip flops). I’ve read all the guide books, and I know what I want to tour, surf, bike and snorkel (or scuba).

“You’re not flying China Airlines, are you?”

“You’re not going to the Philippines, are you?”

No, no, I’ll be safe. I promise.